Enjoy a relatively moderate trek in the Stokes States Forest
Enjoy a relatively moderate trek in the Stokes States Forest in the Lower Sections of the Blue Mountain Loop. It is a thrilling nature trip termed the ‘hiker’s hike’ in Sandyston, New Jersey. This lush circuit is a combination of old and newer trails and has a path that passes through the Tinsley into the lower trails. The 17-mile trail is relatively flat, but it has been rated moderate because of the stony or rocky surfaces that dot the path.
Dogs are allowed in the park but on a leash. Whenever you get tired, you can always take a shorter route along the way. You can leave the Tinsley path and cut on the shorter Stony Brook.
The Blue Trail will undoubtedly keep you enthralled from the beginning to the end. From the lake, you enter a vegetation-covered loop and come back where you began. There is fantastic shade throughout the verdant forest making it enjoyable even in the hot days, Cascading limpid streams and unclouded clear ponds abound the way.
The elevation takes you to a peak of about 433 meters, giving you a panoramic view of the surrounding backdrop. Along the Blue Trail, you will have a sweeping view of the nearby Stony Brooks Falls, Sunrise Mountain, the Blue Mountain, the Culvers Gap and the Tillman Ravine.
You will have restrooms at the starting center and another 8.5 miles in at Stony Lake.
Description
Being a relatively new trail in the Stokes Forest, the Blue Trail is currently moderately packed with visitors. From the parking lot (Rt 287 to Rt 80 West), follow the Coursen Road. When you reach the vehicle bridge, take a left turn to start at the Blue Dot on WHT. It is a remarkable trek for hikers who are not looking for a steep elevation but are in for longer trails with ascents and descents.
Do you like tough terrain? The trail is quite rocky on some parts, and it can be dangerous to your ankles when hiking without walking support. As you start the path, the crystalline waters come into view on the right side, and you can trek on a trail next to the stream.
Towards the end of the stream, there is an old farm part covered with deep-green, blossoming grass, big trees and a rock wall that has a pond.
The trail (BLUE DOT on WHT) turns right just as you reach a bridge at Big Flat Brook- one of the most picturesque section of this loop. The trail follows the brook past the next campground. And past the Cross Kettle Road, the Blue Trail continues beyond Stony Brook (BROWN) on the right and then takes a left on BLUE/BLACK. The Blue Trail continues into Tinsley (YELLOW), Stony Lake (where we have the bathrooms), Lead Mine and into the woods roads, then back to your starting point.
The peak of the Blue Trail, NJ, is at the northeast part of the trail, and the breathtaking bird’s-eye view here carries the day, especially in Fall colours. The rich and diverse Stokes Forest with beautiful pines and hardwoods thickens and thins in some parts. Birdwatchers have plentiful to see, and you will encounter several beautiful ponds and brooks along the way. The western part of the trail has many of these cool smooth-flowing streamlets. You are sure your dog won’t be thirsty.
Mining buffs and historians can take a detour at Silver Mine or Lead Mine and indulge in its history. You also notice a concrete wall with huge dugouts which were intended to be part of a dam that was meant to run the anticipated lakeshore resort.
Find a relatively new map (from 2016) since older plans may not have some parts of the updated trail.
History
The Blue Mountain Trails in Sandyston, New Jersey, once served as a residence to dozens of thriving citizens. A keen look as you trek will reveal a vegetation-covered foundation here or a clearing there. The houses that served as homes from 1956-1969 were either moved or demolished to give room to the Tocks Island Dam and also to conserve the immaculate scenery of the Blue Mountain Lakes and the Appalachian Trail.
The New Jersey Herald had this news of the expected relocation of residents from May 24, 1956. Found at about 1430 feet, the 10,000-acre expanse from Tillman’s Ravine via Flatbrookville to Millbrook would be the biggest lake community to grace the state of New Jersey.
Before that time, residents considered the land to be rocky, barren and worthless, according to the developer Frank Aceto. People could only gain access through a dirt trail named Fiddler’s Elbow. But while it exists, the long-serving trail has since been closed.
While the lake community did not flourish as Aceto had envisioned, older locals recall of the close-knit neighbourhood and the dips into the cold waters in lazy sunny afternoons. And some families still have summer reunions to rekindle memories and enjoy the leisure moments.
With its rich history, the lush variety of hardwoods, different species of birds and dozens of rivulets and ponds, the Blue Trail is a focal point for those who wish to wander into the scenic landscape, glacial lakes, and limpid waters.